Beholds Spirit Film: 1939
The Women
It is true, I was spoiled for choice with the 1939 uplifting films; so many strong, classic films and it seems all nine of my favorites for that year could make a case to be named as the Beholds Spirit Film. So why The Women? Simply put, it is the energy. It crackles, pops and rolls on like a funny, intellectual freight train from start to finish. The film is the smartest, wittiest from the list. It presents a complex portrait of women (if from only one race and class). How many other movies can you think of without a single male in the cast? It makes me smile every time I watch it, and it lifts my spirit like few other movies do.
Brian’s Favorite Uplifting Films of 1939
Gone With the Wind
I grew up in the area where Gone With the Wind is set so I am very familiar with both the book and the movie. While the story stands out today for its crude representation of its black characters, and its glossing over of the reasons for the Civil War, it is a great story of a determined woman who is forced to grow. She learns from a series of mistakes that she is not the center of the world. She cannot control everything. We all have to learn that, yet many of us are forced to learn it much earlier in life than Scarlet O’Hara.
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
There are so many movies about teachers and the noble and inspiring work they do. Goodbye Mr Chips focuses on the man more than his inspiring teaching but the melodrama rings true because we all have special teachers who influenced us.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
When Mr. Smith Goes to Washington he does so a bit reluctant;y, and only because he believes in the ideals of his country. It plays as an idealized version of what our country could be like, but then we need ideals to live up to.
The Rains Came
This is my favorite Myrna Loy performance, as she plays a spoiled and conniving socialite who rises to bad circumstances ( an earthquake basically destroys the place where she lives) and grows into a very charitable woman. We all have the power for change and growth, and sometimes it is the worst circumstances which become the catalyst for our best moments.
The Wizard of Oz
The beloved movie of so many childhood memories, The Wizard of Oz is one of the most famous 1939 films. It presents so many of the most important spiritual lessons: that we all have to follow our life path and experience the challenges along the way. Most important this movie presents the lesson that everything we all need is already inside of us.